Officers say the parts are being targeted because they contain expensive metals, which can be sold on.

They say the thieves are particularly targeting high-value cars. It can cost up to £900 to replace the part.

Police are advising car owners to use a garage if they have one; park in the middle of a car park and when parking in a car park at night, choose a well lit area and if parking in the street, do not leave one side up on the pavement because that makes it easier for a thief to get underneath.

Warwickshire Police have also received reports of similar thefts in Warwick, Rugby and Atherstone while some motorists have been reporting similar thefts in the Ryton area.